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Society of Sagamores

The sagamore of the wabash

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates (1945 to 1949) and it remains the highest honor given by governors to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state.

The award also carries with it a new assignment—counselor to the sitting governor. The term “sagamore” itself was used by the Indiana’s first citizens (the Algonquin-language Delaware Tribe) to describe a lesser chief to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.

Sagamore Institute took its name from the inspiration of the Delaware Tribe and the Indiana governors’ award since our think tank sought to deliver wise counsel to leaders making decisions and taking actions to improve society. In 2016, Sagamore launched the Indiana Conference on Citizenship and Society of Sagamores to help governors mobilize the award recipients’ ideas and contributions.

“You know, the highest honor an Indiana governor gives is called the Sagamore of the Wabash…[It’s] given for wisdom, and public commitment, and a concern for the well-being of others. So, I’d say that Sagamore chose its name well, and is living up to it every day.”

– Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels